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THE GNOSIS ARCHIVE
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Meditations
Take a moment to reflect on a brief meditation and reading from the Gnostic scriptures, selected from this week's Gnostic liturgy. Meditate upon the feminine aspect of divinity with meditation and readings from this month's Sophia liturgy. Now available on audio as the GnosCast-Meditations pod cast via iTunes or RSS
The Gnostic Society Library
Visit the Gnostic Society Library, a comprehensive library of Gnostic scriptures -- including the Nag Hammadi Library -- as well as a large selection of writings and documents relating to the study of Gnosticism. For over a decade, the Gnostic Society Library has been the principal internet resource on Gnostic tradition. Also check the Gnostic Society Bookstore featuring the best current works on Gnosis and Gnosticism.
New in the collection: See the online video lecture, below, introducing C.G. Jung and his mysterious Red Book. We have also edited and updated our library copy of Jung's Seven Sermons to the Dead (Septem Sermones ad Mortuos). The Seven Sermons form a summation of Jung's Red Book visions.
Also recently added to our audio collection is an acclaimed series of lectures, J.R.R. Tolkien: An Imaginative Life. These lectured discuss the relationship of Jung and Tolkien and their imaginative experience. The lectures are available on line in illustrated format, or for download as mp3 audio files.
Updated in the Library - The Secret Book of John: Among the several dozen ancient Gnostic manuscripts rediscovered in modern times, the Secret Book of John (also known as the Apocryphon of John) is widely considered to be the most important. It is the preeminent “Gnostic Gospel”, a sacred reservoir for the defining essence of Gnostic myth and revelation. Recognizing the importance of this text, we have now added a large section to the Library dedicated to the Secret Book of John -- included in collection you will find introductory materials and several translations of the Secret Book of John, including Prof. Stevan Davies' excellent new "reader's edition". If you are interested in reading a "Gnostic Gospel", this is a good place to start.
We have added a huge digital collection of the works of G. R. S. Mead. Mead was perhaps the most important early scholar of Gnosticism and his writings remain an invaluable resource. This collection contains twelve volumes of Mead's works, several essays from The Theosophical Review, and a bookstore offering of Mead's works in print.
Publication of C. G Jung's Red Book
This is the extraordinary event many of us have awaited for decades, and its importance cannot be overstated.
During WWI, Jung commenced an extended self-exploration that he called his “confrontation with the unconscious.” During this period, he developed his principal theories of the collective unconscious, the archetypes, psychological types and the process of individuation, and transformed psychotherapy from a practice concerned with the treatment of pathology into a means for reconnection with the soul and the recovery of meaning in life. At the heart of this endeavor was his legendary Red Book, a large, leather bound, illuminated volume that he created between 1914 and 1930, and which contained the nucleus of his later works. While Jung considered the Red Book, or Liber Novus (New Book) to be the central work in his oeuvre, it has remained unpublished till this day, and unavailable for study and unseen by the public at large. The work can be best described as a work of psychology in a literary and prophetic form. It is possibly the most influential unpublished work in the history of psychology. Its publication is a watershed that inaugurates a new era in the understanding of Jung’s life and work.
As Jung stated: "The years … when I pursued the inner images were the most important time of my life. Everything else is to be derived from this. It began at that time, and the later details hardly matter anymore. My entire life consisted in elaborating what had burst forth from the unconscious and flooded me like an enigmatic stream and threatened to break me. That was the stuff and material for more than only one life.... Everything later was merely the outer classification,the scientific elaboration, and the integration into life. But the numinous beginning, which contained everything, was then.”
Amazon.com is taking orders. Order Now. There has been a huge demand for the book, far exceeding the publisher's expectations. The first four printings have sold out, the next printing will be available in January -- due to the size and quality of the book (which is printed in Italy and hand bound) it takes over 6 weeks to deliver each new printing.View a preview of the Red Book contents, including several illustrations and the translation of the first page -- Download and view in .pdf format. You will also enjoy viewing the video about the digital reproduction of the Red Book (available on YouTube).
Dr. Stephan Hoeller is now presenting a series of lectures on the Red Book at The Gnostic Society in Los Angeles -- they are available for download at BCRecordinigs.net.
In January and February Dr. Lance Owens will offer lectures on C.G. Jung and the Red Book in Salt Lake City.
Septem Sermones ad Mortuos
While Jung considered the Red Book to be the central work, there is another text from this period of equal importance: the Septem Sermones ad Mortuos (Seven Sermons to the Dead). Written around 1916 and included within the Red Book, the Septem Sermones are Jung's earliest revealed formulation of his visionary experience. Unlike the Red Book which remained hidden and unpublished, Jung privately printed the Septem Sermones around 1917. When examining the imaginative work of Jung, it is essential to examine the Septem Sermones ad Mortuos in context of, and along with, the great Red Book. These are together the two crucial primary documents of Jung's "confrontation with the unconscious". (The Seven Sermones to the Dead are available here in our Library.)
In 1982, Stephan A. Hoeller published the first critical study of Jung's Red Book writings, giving a compelling Gnostic hermeneutic to the only then-published fragment from this material, Jung's Septem Sermones ad Mortuos. This ground-breaking study, The Gnostic Jung and the Seven Sermons to the Dead, still stands as a crucial introduction to Jung's visionary experience; it is highly recommended to those preparing to explore the Red Book. Buy the Book. For further background, also read Dr. Hoeller's essay on C. G. Jung and the Alchemical Renewal.
The New York Times Magazine (September 20, 2009 edition) offered a very interesting article about Jung and the Red Book online: The Holy Grail of the Unconscious.
"C.G. Jung and the Red Book" -- A Comprehensive Commentary in Thirteen Lectures, by Dr. Stephan Hoeller
Dr. Stephan Hoeller is now completing an amazing series of thirteen lectures on The Red Book, Liber Novus. In this extended series Dr. Hoeller is reading through the text chapter by chapter, giving background, commentary and insights into the text. This is the definitive commentary on the Red Book. You will find these lectures a perfect companion to your own exploration of the Red Book.Individual lectures or the complete series of lectures can by purchased for immediate download and listening from BC Recordings, where you will also find an expansive catalog of Dr. Hoeller's many audio lectures on C.G.Jung and Jungian psychology.
2010 Gnostic Calendar
The 2010 Gnostic Calendar, by the Rev. Troy Pierce. In its fifth year, the first Calendar specifically for Gnostics is better than ever! Facing pages feature original art and commentary on Gnostic themes by a Gnostic Priest. This year's themes include a series on the Great Guides to Gnosis, with Basilides, Valentinus, Bardesenes, Marcus the Magician, and more. The calendar features the Liturgical Calendar of the Ecclesia Gnostica: the Sundays and Holy days/holidays of the year, with the liturgical color of the day in the upper right hand corner. The Gnostic Calendar also features many additional dates of interest. It is an introductory outline, in calendar form, to different threads in the Gnostic Tradition. Also included are many unofficial Gnostic holidays, historical days of note, secular holidays, humorous/fun holidays, made-up holidays, Buddhist holidays, solar holidays, full and new moons--and yes, more. It includes quotes from almost all the authors noted. Ordering available.
Recent Additions to the Bookstore
The Nag Hammadi Scriptures, edited by Marvin Meyer, introduction by Elaine Pagels. The epochal new translation of the entire Nag Hammadi library has finally arrived! Dr. Marvin Meyer has done a masterful job in producing a volume that will serve for many decades as the standard source. Scholarly understanding of the Gnostic texts found at Nag Hammadi has vastly matured since their original publication as the Nag Hammadi Library in 1977. This new edition fully reflects that refinement in "the scholarly ear" for both the forgotten ancient tongue and the spiritual tradition preserved in the Gnostic Coptic texts. In every possible way, publication of The Nag Hammadi Scriptures represents a milestone in modern understanding of Gnostic tradition. Elaine Pagels, the author and professor who introduced a generation of readers to the Gnostic Gospels, appropriately pens the introduction to this landmark edition. Every student of Gnosticism will want to own this book, but before jumping into the big volume, we still highly recommend a study of some of the briefer introductory readings listed in the Bookstore.
The Gnostic Gospels of Jesus, edited by Marvin Meyer, is our top recommendation for readers beginning their exploration of the Gnostic scriptures. Over the last three decades Prof. Meyer has distinguished himself as a singularly talented translator and commentator on Gnostic traditions. In this new collection -- the best of several that he has now published -- Meyer presents twelve key Gnostic "gospels" in succinct, accurate and highly readable new translations. The book's subtitle claims it to be: "The definitive collection of mystical gospels and secret books about Jesus of Nazareth". Though perhaps not "definitive", we agree this is the best introductory collection available.
Meyer states his goal in these translations is to be "as accurate as possible" while still presenting the texts in "felicitous English." At this he succeeds beautifully. Readers who have labored with the sometimes tortured translations and editorial conventions presented in the original editions of the Nag Hammadi Library published thirty years ago will be amazed at the graceful intelligibility of Meyer's translations. Meyer adds to the collection an overview of our evolving understanding of Christian Gnosticism, and prefaces each of the selected text with an excellent introductory essay.
The Gnostic, a new tri-annual journal dedicated to "Gnosticism in all its forms". The first and second issues are now available. The second issue, just released, features: an interview with Colin Wilson and an in depth examination of his ideas on the occult; an interview with Tessa Dick, widow of Philip K Dick, plus an excerpt from her memoir and Anthony Peake's analysis of Dick's precognitive abilities; interview with noted scholar April DeConick on the Gospel of John. And much more....
This is the second major effort in recent decades to produce a regularly published journal dedicated to Gnostic studies. The first, Gnosis Magazine, began publication in 1985 and continued successfully with regular quarterly issues for fourteen years (back issues are still available for sale). Since the demise a decade ago of Gnosis Magazine no one has attempted a regular journal dedicated to the scope of Gnosticism in its modern resurgence.
We found both of the first two numbers of this new journal very interesting and offer the publisher our best wishes for success. Give it a reading! No subscriptions are presently offered; it is being sold on a per-issue basis. Buy at Amazon.com
There has long been need for a comprehensive introductory guide to Gnostic tradition in. We are happy to announce the arrival of just such a book: Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing by Stephan A. Hoeller, published by Quest Books. This delightful study gives clear voice to the essential message of Gnosticism; it is an invaluable introduction to the history and import of Gnosticism in the Western tradition. Buy at Amazon.com
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene is one the most surprising and delightful of the rediscovered Gnostic texts. This excellent new print edition of the Gospel of Mary of Magdala by the widely respected scholar Karen King is the best authoritative edition available. It incorporates translations of the Coptic Gospel of Mary found in 1896 in Cairo, along with the two small Greek fragments of the text found at Oxyrhynchus. Included is a superb introduction along with extensive commentary on the text and its implications for modern understandings of early Christianity. Highly Recommended. Visit the Gnostic Society Bookstore for more information.
Wisdom of the Gnostics - An Introduction to Gnosticism. A ten lecture audio course (nine hours of listening) by Dr. Stephan Hoeller is now available in the Bookstore and from the BC Recordings online store for purchase or immediate download. This is the quintessential introduction to Gnostics, Gnosis and Gnosticism. Included here are introductory lectures on the nature of Gnosticism and discussions of central Gnostic scriptures, including the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Philip. Mary Magdalene, the Prophet Mani, the medieval Cathar Gnostic renaissance, and the Templar myth are all covered in this superb course.
What is Gnosticism?
Many visitors to the Archive have requested some basic introductory material explaining Gnosticism. To meet this need we offer these "places to start": two short articles, The Gnostic World View: A Brief Summary of Gnosticism and What is a Gnostic?; and two audio lecture on Gnosticism and its Legacy and the Gnostic concept of Christ: The Misunderstood Redeemer (this lecture is an older RealAudio format). For more in-depth reading suggestions visit the Gnostic Society Bookstore -- you will find offered there a selection of the best introductory and advanced books on Gnosticism, along with brief reviews of recommended books. And of course just "surfing" The Gnosis Archive will lead to a wealth of information. Blessings on your journey!
The Gnostic Viewpoint: Essays on Contemporary Gnosticism
The Gnostic Viewpoint section offers a series of short articles examining Gnosis from a modern perspective selected from past volumes of Gnosis: A Journal of Western Inner Experience. These essays offer an excellent introduction to the wide scope of modern Gnostic interests. A sample of some of the titles: Valentinus: A Gnostic for All Seasons -- What is a Gnostic? -- The Gnosis of the Eucharist -- Hermes and Hermeticism Throughout the Ages -- and many others.
Genesis and Gnosis
The popular PBS television special "Genesis: A Living Conversation", hosted by Bill Moyers, directed wide attention to the many interpretations of the Book of Genesis. One of the vital readings of Genesis -- the Gnostic reading -- was, however, completely ignored. Explore this balancing perspective in The Genesis Factor, an essay by Dr. Stephan Hoeller.
Lectures from the Gnostic Society
For twenty-five years Bryan Campbell (a professional Hollywood recording engineer) has been archiving recordings of Dr. Hoeller's weekly lectures. A huge selection from this collection is now available by for immediate online download and for shipping in CD albums. Visit our Web Lecture page for more information.
Current free Web Lectures (available at BC Recordings):
Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing
Dr. Hoeller introduces the subject of his latest book of the same title. An excellent brief introduction to the Gnostic Tradition. (This lecture introduces not only our 10-lecture album "The Wisdom of the Gnostics", but all of our recordings on Gnosticism by Stephan A. Hoeller) Running Time 47:25.
The Greatest Treasures of Nag Hammadi
"Thomas and Philip: Gospels of the Gnostic Christ" is a free, full-length presentation introducing the ten part set of lectures on the most popular and valued writings from the Nag Hammadi Library, the Gnostic writings found in Egypt in 1945.
Running Time 79:52.
An Introduction to The Gospel of Judas
Dr. Hoeller regards "The Gospel of Judas" as an important and very Gnostic document, and gives his preliminary evaluation in this brief talk. A series in four parts on the "Gospel of Judas" was delivered Summer 2006, and is available in disk and in download formats. Running Time 39:11
Altered States Ancient and Modern
Aids to consciousness have so much history it takes 13 titles in this set to cover this controversial subject. This brief lecture lays a foundation for a Gnostic understanding of this topic. Running Time 53:01.
Tolkien and "The Lord of the Rings"
Gnosis and Creativity merged in this great work by J.R.R. Tolkien. A 7 part set on it is introduced by this brief presentation.
Running Time 74:04.The Battle about God: Where do Gnostics stand?
Christopher Hitchens' "God is Not Great" and Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion", Mother Theresa's Doubts and the timeless Gnostic answers to the issues they raise in this full-length presentation. Running time 80:08.We also offer two lecture series presented Dr. Lance Owens:
J.R.R. Tolkien: An Imaginative Life. This series of the three lectures examines the broad span of Tolkien's life and work, with special focus on Tolkien’s experience of his imaginative gift. The lectures are available on line in illustrated format, or for download as mp3 audio files.
C. G. Jung: Portrait of a Twentieth-Century Wizard. Dr. Lance Owens (from the Wasatch Gnostic Society in Salt Lake City) explores the Archetype of the Wizard in this the first of four retrospectives on the life work of C. G. Jung. Go the the Wasatch Gnostic Society page for more information on this series. These lectures are available in both RealPlayer and MP3 format.
The Gnosis Archive Search Index
You can search the entire Gnosis Archive for keywords, scriptural phrases, and subjects using our advanced search functions. The Archive contains well over a thousand documents specific to Gnostic studies, including translations all the classical Gnostic scriptures and patristic documents relevant to early Gnostic movements. The search function on the Archive is a major resource for students and researchers.
Gnostic Studies on the Web
This section contains a wide selection of current Sites and Documents dealing with Gnosticism, ancient and modern, available on the Web.
Ecclesia Gnostica
A selection of thoughts and writings from the Ecclesia Gnostica, as well as a schedule of services for the parishes in Los Angeles, Portland and Salt Lake City.
The Gnostic Society
The Gnosis Archive is maintained in association with The Gnostic Society. Visit for more information, including the current "Friday Lecture Series" schedule.
There is now also a Gnostic Society branch in Seattle, Portland and in Salt Lake City! Visit The Gnostic Society of Seattle, The Portland Gnostic Society, or The Wasatch Gnostic Society (in SLC) for information on their upcoming local events. If you are in Europe, you may wish to contact the Oslo Gnostic Center about current activities.
The Studio
The Studio offers an evolving "online gallery" for art and Gnosis. Our current show in The Studio presents a series of pencil, pen, and watercolor images evoked by personal dreams and visions: Images by Jacquelyn Owens.
If you have a completed show that you would like to submit for consideration, please contact us.